From Helpless to Happy: How Rue Found Her Courage

When Rue came to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) in October 2021, she could barely look at anyone. For weeks, the four-year-old American pitbull terrier mix remained curled up in the corner, averting eye contact, and avoiding all human interactions. The more staff and volunteers tried to engage with her, the tighter she curled up against the wall, even staying in that position overnight.

One of the shelter’s more difficult cases, Rue was rescued by the Seattle Police Department from a hotel room, where she was found penned in her own waste alongside several other dogs. Her companions were covered in scars consistent with dog fighting. While SAS’s medical examination showed Rue to be physically well, her emotional scars ran deep.

Rue scared
Shortly after arriving to SAS, Rue curled up in fear.

“If you looked at her, moved towards her—even to just place a food bowl down—she would curl up tighter or push herself even further against the wall,” said SAS’s lead behaviorist Kimberlee Spicer. “We would attempt to take her out on walks, but she did not want to move. If we needed to get her out to clean her kennel, she would walk with a tense body—tail tucked, ears back, closed tight mouth, and pupils dilated.”

Kimberlee explained that Rue was exhibiting behaviors consistent with a condition known as learned helplessness, which can develop when a dog is repeatedly frightened or abused and learns to shut down, believing they have no control.

SAS’s behavior team immediately stepped in to help, starting by moving Rue out of her kennel and into a quieter shared office space. Typically, a behavior training session consists of walks, treats, and lively positive reinforcement. For Rue, the trainer would come into the office, sit down at a comfortable distance, read to her for several minutes, drop a tasty treat on the floor, and then slip back out.

Rue and Kimberlee at the shelter
Kimberlee sits with Rue in a non-threatening manner.

Progress was slow and steady. Rue would not eat in front of anyone (a significant show of trust for a dog) or move from her corner, even to go to the bathroom. But around a month into the behavior program after constant and consistent support, Rue began improving, moving about the office space, taking a treat from an outstretched palm, and allowing the staff and volunteers to take her on brief walks around the parking lot.

Rue dog getting pets
After a brief walk with Kimberlee, Rue allows a shelter volunteer to pet her.

Finally, Rue was taken in by an amazing foster family. Her foster parents, Krista and Andrew, were endlessly patient with her, allowing her the time, space, and praise to learn to be a normal dog again. They worked with Rue on house training, leash training, being around people, exploring the yard. They also exposed her to different people and rooms in the home, sounds and textures.

Rue especially benefited from being around her foster brothers and sisters. While she was hesitant to seek out interactions with them, she was observant, watching how the other dogs behaved and slowly mirroring their behaviors.

Rue
Rue takes cues on how to relax from watching other dogs.

After two and a half months in foster, Rue was adopted on February 9, 2022. Some animals will backtrack when they are adopted, but Rue leaped forward. Less than a week after her adoption, she was eating in the kitchen (not in her crate), sleeping on a dog bed in an open room, and spending time with her new family in the open living spaces. Like her namesake, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she was courageous.

Her new favorite activities are performing zoomies and leaping over the small stream in her backyard; taking car rides with her little head out the back window; and eating vanilla ice cream from Salt & Straw with her big brother, Spike, another SAS rescue.

“Our goal was to get Rue’s little tail to wag, even just once, by her 1-year ‘Gotcha Day’ (adoption) anniversary,” said Shannon Ryan, her adoptive mom. “I am happy to report that Rue’s little tail now wags daily, and it makes my heart so happy every time I see it.”

Successes like this would not be possible without the continued generosity of SASF donors, who provide support for programs such as dog behavior training and the vet clinic. If you are interested in supporting the important work SAS does in getting animals to their forever homes, consider joining the annual Furry 5K. Held at Seward Park on June 12, 2022, the proceeds from this fun walk/run go directly to the Help the Animals Fund at the Seattle Animal Shelter, which supports medical care for pets in need.

Rue dog snuggles
Roo is comfortable in her forever home and loves snuggling with her new mom.
Rue dog snuggles

We Weren’t Looking for a New Cat

Originally posted 4/29/20

The Seattle Animal Shelter has been making a difference in the lives of pets and pet owners for nearly 50 years. Irina Mueller, SAS volunteer and cat mom, shares how SAS helped her find a best friend for life.

“We lost our previous cat in August 2017. It was devastating. We weren’t looking for a new cat. We even moved into a new apartment with a “no pet” clause. I started volunteering at the Seattle Animal Shelter in the fall of 2018. Oliver, a handsome tabby originally called Cheezy, came to the shelter in early March 2019.

Oliver was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and unfortunately his previous owner could not afford to take care of him. At the shelter, he received the treatment needed to control his diabetes by taking insulin twice a day. We were so happy to see the shelter give him the care he needed. Having a cat on insulin is an extra monthly expense, and the shelter was able to give him the very best treatment regardless of cost, thanks to donations from the Seattle community.

Despite his medical needs, Oliver was such an affectionate cat. I would sit on the floor and he would climb into my lap, purr, put his head in my hand and nap. He quickly became my favorite cat. I could not stop talking about him. I even got special permission from our landlord to have a cat! Then I talked my husband into meeting him.

We brought Oliver home in early April 2019. As advised, we kept Oliver confined to one room to allow him to adapt to his new surroundings – for about a night. He could hear us from “his” room and was not happy being by himself. He owned the apartment within 24 hours. Our adjustment period was significantly longer than his; we never had a cat with medical needs before. The veterinarian on duty showed us how to give Oliver his insulin shots and check his blood glucose levels. It took a while, but we figured it out -it was well worth it to have Oliver in our lives.

What seemed daunting in the beginning is now routine. We had to adjust our lifestyle of being home every 12 hours to give Oliver his insulin, and my work-life balance greatly improved. All the adjustments have been worth it. Oliver has been part of our family for about a year now, is much loved, and is spoiled rotten. He is still a total snuggle bug, an excellent biscuit maker and has the loudest purr (some drooling included). He loves being around people. The lap is still his favorite place, and he can stay there for hours. Now that he’s a senior cat, he also enjoys sleeping in the sun in our tiny, escape-proof and safe yard.

I am thankful that the Seattle Animal Shelter gives animals like Oliver a chance to find forever homes and live happy (and hopefully) healthy lives. Oliver taught me that he is more than an “older cat with medical needs” – I just had to look past the label. I am glad I did, because I cannot image him not being a part of my life and our family.”

To help pets like Oliver get the love and care they need, donate to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. 100% of donations help pets, like Oliver, get the care they need while waiting for their forever homes.

Faces of the Furry 5K 2022 – Lemon and Walter

This year’s Furry 5K is just around the corner. On June 12, hundreds of King County animal lovers will gather at Seward Park alongside their four-legged companions to walk or run in the name of helping pets. A good event needs a good ambassador, or maybe even two. This year’s face(s) of the Furry 5K are Lemon and Walter: two very good dogs.

How did these two pups become such an important part of this race? Each fall, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) hosts an auction and gala to raise funds for the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). While the pandemic caused a few changes in plans over the last two years, it did not stop Lemon and Walter’s owner, Chris Priest, from making a generous donation to secure his pups as the Face of the Furry 5K. We had the privilege of sitting down with Chris to learn more about his beloved dogs, his history with the Furry 5K, and who is really in charge of their household.

Lemon and Walter (two dogs) posing nicely
Lemon (left) and Walter, this year’s Faces of the Furry 5K, sit pretty for their headshot.

Our conversation with Chris

SASF: First thing’s first… – Can you tell us a little bit about Walter and Lemon?

Chris: Lemon is a border collie/terrier mutt we adopted from a shelter in Sun Valley, Idaho. We had lost a wonder dog (Daisy Mae, who was from the Seattle Animal Shelter), and there was something about adorable, crazy Lemon that reminded us of her.

Lemon is a gregarious herder who loves people (especially kids) and certain other dog pals. She is the fastest thing, crazy agile, and very smart. It’s hard for us to keep up with her quite often.

Little Walter is a little terrier mix who was found wandering the streets; some kids took him to a vet, and they cared for him for a month before relinquishing him to the shelter. We fell in love immediately, and so did Lemon. Walter is a smarty pants and the boss. He rules the roost, and Lemon loves him more than she might [love] us. They are the best of friends and bring us delight every day.

Why were you interested in having your dogs be the Face of the Furry 5K?

We love the Seattle Animal Shelter and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, and a highlight of our year is the annual auction. We’ve had our dogs on the side of buses (twice), in the calendar (three times), and all sorts of other prizes. It just made sense to do the Furry 5K — that, and Lemon is crazy fast. We wanted to support the Seattle Animal Shelter and do something fun and different!

Two dogs (Lemon and Walter) playing
The two dogs discovered they were perfect playmates right away. Here, Lemon (left) and Walter display their polite playing technique.

How do Lemon and Walter affect your life? Do they help you maintain any sort of daily routines or bring a new appreciation to your daily activities?

Lemon and Walter ARE our daily lives. Besides work and food, everything we do centers around our pack. We go on lots of walks every day, go on runs, and play fetch and all sorts of games.

They have both gone to more training and more classes than either of their humans have. They love to be challenged and to play, so we spend a lot of time training, doing exercises, and having fun. We go down to Yelm a few times a month so Lemon can herd sheep and Walter can bark. They love it!

[Because we work] from home, they are very rarely alone. We have morning walks, afternoon walks, and night walks. We go to a lot of places that allow dogs, too, so they go out to eat with us or meet friends with us all the time.

These two make every day extra special. From crazy play episodes that take over the entire house to all the people in our neighborhood who greet them, every day is more fun and more interesting because of these two.

What are you looking forward to about this year’s Furry 5K?

Both Lemon and Walter love to go on runs. I used to run to and from work with Lemon, and her and I have participated in the Furry 5K three times. It’s such a fun, entertaining, and healthy event — we love to participate.

Lemon loves people, so I think her getting attention and being recognized as the Face of the Furry 5K will make her very happy. We plan to arrive early and take photos and do whatever helps the Foundation increase participation and the fun factor. Come meet Lemon and Walter!

Okay, last question. If someone was interested in potentially participating in the Furry 5K this summer, what is one thing you’d tell them?

It’s all about the animals. The work the Seattle Animal Shelter and Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation do for dogs, cats, critters, and friends is remarkable. This is a chance to run or walk, have a fun time, support each other, and raise money for the shelter. There are lots of teams, so there’s lots of support. It’s fun, and it is so important to show how much our community supports the animals!

How to join in on the fun

There’s still plenty of time to sign up for this June’s Furry 5K! Check out the Furry 5K website to learn more about participating.

If you’re interested in your pet being the Face of the Furry 5K at a future event, keep an eye out for the Furevermore Auction & Gala coming this October. Who knows – maybe your best friend will be the star of next year’s race!

The 2022 Furry 5K is Back In-Person June 12!

Furry 5K Promo June 12, 2022 at Seward Park
Two pugs in a stroller

The dogs are barking! The cats are meowing! The critters are… crittering? We’re all so excited to announce the Furry 5K is back in-person in 2022!

Dog and humans are welcome to join the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) on Sunday, June 12th as we make a triumphant return to Seward Park to host the in-person Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk.

Sign up for the Furry 5K now to take advantage of early-bird pricing and reserve your race bib, goody bag, and 2022 Furry 5K t-shirt.

On Sunday, June 12th, the Furry 5K will begin at 11 AM with a staggered start for runners and walkers. After you cross the finish line, make your way through our booths to check out some fun pet products, explore the dog agility course, treat your pup to a dip in the kiddie pool, or hook them up with a treat from Puddles Barkery.

dog in a tutu surrounded by run participants

You’ll then hear awards given to the top three 5K finishers, top individual fundraiser, top team fundraiser, and the best costumes (both human and dog costumes, of course).

We hope to see over 1,000 people at the race, and 100% of proceeds will go toward the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). So spread the word and get a group of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, cat sitters, or dog-walking buddies to race with you.

SAS has done so much to support pets over the years. In 2021 alone, the shelter helped:

  • Get 226 dogs, 363 cats, and 122 critters adopted.
  • Provide 898 spay and neuter surgeries.
  • Investigate 741 animal cruelty cases.
  • Reunite 454 lost animals with their owners.
  • Rescue 351 wild animals.
  • Perform 7,000 vet exams.
  • Serve 366 animals via the pet food bank.

We are so grateful for everyone who has supported the shelter after all these years (even when the Furry 5K was virtual in both 2020 and 2021). Let’s give back to SAS once more and raise $100,000 at the 2022 Furry 5K!

Two dogs and three runners finishing the race

Sign up to race the Furry 5K!

Share why you’re excited to race by tagging SASF on Instagram and Facebook and using #furry5kseattle and #furry5k to connect with our pet-loving community.

Many thanks to our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Mud Bay, who help make this event possible with their amazing support for the Seattle Animal Shelter. A huge thank you to:

Volunteer Spotlight: Jack Herndon

Volunteer Spotlight

We caught up with celebrated Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) volunteer, Jack Herndon, and asked him about his time supporting the shelter.

Read below to learn about Jack’s volunteer journey.

How do you support the Seattle Animal Shelter?

Misty, Jack's "foster fail"
Misty, Jack’s foster fail cat

My  first involvement with the shelter was in the cat foster program. My wife and I attended training, covered a few vacation needs, and took on a full-time foster for a 12-year-old cat named Misty. We knew her from one of our vacation covers. She was with us for a while, settling her digestive and temperament issues. When it came time to write her bio for the website, we realized she was the perfect cat for us. So, in the end, we adopted her. Unfortunately, she is not friendly to other cats, so that ended our involvement as a foster.

I still wanted to be involved with the shelter, so I signed up for the 9-Lives cat care program. I completed training and had just become an active member of the 9-Lives group when the shelter closed to most volunteers in response to the pandemic. I recognized there would still be a place for shelter helpers because they worked solo. I performed some of that work in my spare time during my 9-Lives shift, so I switched volunteer positions.

I am very happy working now as a shelter helper — doing laundry, cleaning animal care dishes and toys, and stocking bedding and handling supplies like dog walking vests, collars and leashes. And to answer a question you might have: No, it doesn’t dampen the way I feel about doing the same kind of cleaning work at home.

What made you want to volunteer for SAS?

I’ve grown up with dogs and had cats in my life for almost all of my adult life. When our last cat passed away, we still wanted them in our lives — but in consideration of our age and retirement plans, we didn’t want to go straight into getting another kitten or adolescent cat. We decided to get involved with the Seattle Animal Shelter because of the good reputation and the proximity to our home.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?

I like interactions with the staff and other volunteers. The atmosphere is very positive and supporting, both for the people and the animals. I like the work I do as a shelter helper because, for the most part, I see what needs to be done and do it. Of course, if that falls outside of the normal job requirements I check with the staff and, as needed, the supervisor first.

Why do you believe volunteering is important?

I was brought up being involved in community, both in my neighborhood and my city. As a grownup, I continue doing what I can to help the community. I like to apply my experience and knowledge where I can be helpful. Using my cat experience, I became involved with the shelter. With the experience I have from caring for my parents, I work with the Greenwood Senior Center Village program to help seniors stay in their homes. Previously, I applied my love of cooking at a meal program, and computer skills at the front desk of a food bank.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

When I retired, for a while I wondered what I would be doing during my days. I wanted to something engaging and uplifting that also gave me a chance to interact with other people. Giving my time to community needs fills that for me. A bonus is the appreciation you get from those you help.

What advice would you give to people who want to help shelter pets?

Sometimes your first try at volunteering might not work out the way you hoped it would. That is what happened with me. If that is the case, and you really like being around animals, try a different volunteer service at the shelter and see if that is a better fit.

Do you have a volunteer story you’re particularly proud of?

I was working as shelter helper during the arrival of three different intake events from animal hording. The first event was a mix of small and large animals; the second was a very large number of cats; and the third was a couple dozen chihuahuas. In all the cases, I was amazed at how quickly the staff shifted priorities, coordinated to shuffle workloads and assignments, and generally supported each other to get through the deluge… All of that while keeping a focus on giving the animals the best quality of care. I was more than willing to put in extra shelter helper time in support of these hard-working folks.

What message do you have for supporters of SAS and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF)?

The shelter has been in operation for quite some time. As a result, things wear out and need replacement. Some of those things are machines or equipment that can’t easily be replaced when they break because they are not in the year’s budget. That is one of the key functions of SASF. In my case, I recognized several deficiencies and replacements. I am coordinating with the SASF and shelter staff to fund replacing old equipment so they won’t be caught with failures that effect their ability to do their work. I am also working to add some items that make it easier to accomplish some aspects of shelter work.

What else would you like to share?

My work at SAS has been one of the most positive volunteer experiences I have ever had. I’ve worked in the shelter helper position for some time. I am currently out of the shelter recovering from an elective surgery. As soon as I am sufficiently mobile, I’ll be back folding towels and washing dishes. I really miss my time there.

—–

Thank you for all of your support, Jack!

If you’re interested in supporting shelter pets, check out Seattle Animal Shelter volunteer positions or Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation volunteer roles.

Join us for the 2022 Furry 5K

Two dogs with Furry 5K information image

A Fun Run/Walk to Benefit Seattle Animals

Join other animal lovers in the Seattle area to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, as we return in-person at Seward Park on June 12, 2022 at 11 a.m. Join us to run or walk in-person or virtually in support of the Help the Animals Fund at the Seattle Animal Shelter, which supports medical care for pets in need.

What It Means to Be a SASF Board Member

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) does a lot to raise money for pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter. We host the Furry 5K, collect donations from small donors or large companies, volunteer directly at the shelter, and even host an auction and gala. We do all of this with only one paid employee, largely relying on volunteers to help raise money for pets in need.

In March, the foundation hopes to recruit new board members with particular focuses in:

  • Recruiting
  • Fundraising & Development
  • Furry 5K & Community Events
  • Auction Planning

Check out our current volunteer openings for more information and to see if you or someone you know could be a good fit.

For now, we’ll continue expressing our thanks to our current board members and sharing stories about what inspires them to volunteer — in their own words.

David Gorton

David Gorton, Treasurer | 1 year on the board

Why did you decide to volunteer for SASF?

“I decided to serve on the SASF board as it was a perfect opportunity to use my talents and skillset for a cause I believe in. My dog is a rescue, and she has enriched my life so much more than I could have imagined. It’s just such a great feeling being on a team that helps other animals find their forever homes.”

Did you have any concerns prior to joining the board?

“I had prior experience serving on a board, but I was concerned about the time commitment serving on a “working” board [board members not only develop strategies but also execute them]. I’ve found the time commitment to SASF is entirely manageable even with a busy full-time job and has never been an issue.”

What do you like most about volunteering for SASF?

“Everyone is so passionate about animals, and it’s a great being surrounded by such caring people. You can really tell that everyone — board, shelter staff and other volunteers — honestly cares about every single life that comes through the shelter.”

What would you say to someone who was considering joining the board?

“It’s so rewarding to spend your own time helping a very worthy cause. After a full year of serving on the board, I have no regrets having joined. Reach out if you have questions or concerns — we’d love to chat!”

Kara Main-Hester

Kara Main-Hester, President | 5 years on the board

Why did you decide to volunteer for SASF?

“I started volunteering at the Seattle Animal Shelter as a dog walker a long time ago. The volunteer program was incredible and was already supporting a lot of the ‘extras,’ like the Furry 5K, fundraising for vet care and promoting spay and neuter — but I knew it could be more and couldn’t be happier to see all the programs that the foundation has been able to support. From vet care to behavior modification to staff training. It’s fabulous!”

Did you have any concerns prior to joining the board?

“I’m always concerned about time commitment. I find that I can work my foundation time commitment into my normal week by doing a bit here and there. Because there is such great support across the whole board, nothing is a huge lift.”

What do you like most about volunteering for SASF?

“I love meeting fellow animal lovers who want to do more for the animals. While direct care and fostering is desperately needed at the animal shelter, I feel that the Foundation multiplies those efforts to allow for much more lifesaving work.”

What would you say to someone who was considering joining the Board?

“DO IT. It is great experience, you know that you have a direct effect on saving lives, and the board is a fun group of people.”

Katy Thweatt

Katy Thweatt, Marketing Chair | 2 years on the board

Why did you decide to volunteer for SASF?

“I began fostering cats with the Seattle Animal Shelter in 2015. It wasn’t long before I began to hear about SASF and saw all the ways the foundation supported pets at SAS. I wanted to help shelter pets any way I could, so I responded to the SASF recruiter about joining the team.”

Did you have any concerns prior to joining the board?

“I first started volunteering on the marketing committee as an email coordinator. I was concerned that moving into the marketing chair position on the board would involve work that wasn’t in my wheelhouse. I took a leap of faith and applied anyway. I soon realized there were enough helpful people on the board and on my marketing team that I never feel alone in handling new opportunities.”

What do you like most about volunteering for SASF?

“At the beginning of our monthly board meeting, we all share good news that’s happened in our lives. I love hearing all the updates on people’s pets. Plus, now that we’re meeting virtually on video calls, I can see everyone’s pets on screen!”

What would you say to someone who was considering joining the Board?

“I’m sure you have reasons why you might not want to commit to a volunteer position. However, there could be no greater calling than using your time to help pets in need alongside some awesome people.”

See how you could support the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, and check out our current volunteer openings.

Making Strides in 2021

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) has done so much to support pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) in 2021. Read on to see how we’ve helped pets in need this year, and make a donation to support SASF today.

The past year proved once more that when faced with challenges, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) pushes forward to help animals in need. At this point, the obstacles that volunteers and Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) staff faced in 2021 were not unprecedented — from a decrease in volunteers due to COVID capacity limits in the shelter to canceling the annual Furevermore Auction and Gala, the team tackled each day just as they did when new challenges arose in 2020. And this year, they innovated more than ever.

mud bay donationDuring the summer, as COVID numbers began to peak in Seattle again, the annual Furry 5K went forward as a virtual race for the second year in a row. The event raised over $71,000 that went directly to helping pets and programs at SAS. Participants walked and ran around their neighborhoods — or on treadmills — to support the work of the shelter. And just when it looked like the event was wrapped up, Mud Bay graciously donated more than 1,600 pounds of food to the pets at SAS.

While the Furevermore Auction and Gala was postponed due to the delta variant, the shelter was still given extra love and TLC in the fall. In fact, the first event of Pawsitive Projects debuted as a huge success. More than 20 SASF board members and donors gathered together to help the shelter staff complete critical work that they weren’t able to do themselves. Before COVID, volunteers picked up duties like cleaning out the critter closet or weeding the outdoor dog corral. However, because social distancing and safety precautions only allow a certain number of people in the building, the shelter staff had to do without their normal number of volunteers for much of the year. With events like Pawsitive Projects, the staff at the shelter receive greatly needed help in their work environment, and donors and board members get a hands-on experience that directly impacts the shelter they care so deeply about.

With adversity at every step of the way, the SASF team stepped up to the challenges of the last year to support the shelter and the animals waiting for their forever homes. The biggest wins of the year, as with every year, are the success stories.

ziggy-the-hedgehogA little over one year ago, SAS helped rescue more than 220 animals from one of the worst hoarding cases that the shelter has ever seen. That case, tragic as it was, helped open the eyes of the public to the intense, difficult work that the shelter does to help animals in need. Through that work, SAS is able to help place pets like Ziggy the hedgehog in loving homes.

Through the Behavior Program at SAS, Mario the dog got a second lease on lifemario-second-chance. In his seven months at the shelter, Mario worked with Kimberlee and members of the Dog Behavior Team to help curb his reactivity and teach him important lessons — like not to eat all of his toys.

All of this work, from the events to the successful home placements, could not be done without the support SASF receives throughout the year from generous donors. The team is hopeful that 2022 will bring new positive moments — and hopefully in-person events! Until then, if you’re able to support the work of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation to improve the lives of pets in the shelter, please consider donating today.

Mud Bay donates over 1600 pounds of high-quality food to the shelter!

One of the first and most important things that can be done to support pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter is feeding them high-quality, nutritious food. As part of the Furry 5K, where Mud Bay was the presenting sponsor, they donated one pound of pet food for each mile walked, and five pounds of food for each adoptable dog sponsored. The grand total was 1,653 pounds of high-quality animal food!

Mud Bay’s Delivery team stopped by last week to drop off part of the donation, and in celebration of a successful Furry 5K event, Mud Bay is offering 20% off of your next delivery purchase through Sunday, August 22! Shop at MudBay.com and use promocode SAS5K at checkout to redeem this offer.

We’re so excited to be supporting our partner, Seattle Animal Shelter, with this food donation! We’re grateful for all the life-saving work that they do for the Seattle community, especially during the pandemic. -Mud Bay

Some of this food will be distributed to the community through the shelter’s pet food bank, a vital service for pet parents in need. New adopters will also benefit from the food when they adopt shelter pets, so every new family can start on the right foot (and paw) when it comes to nutrition.

Thank you to all the supporters of this year’s Furry 5K who participated in the event and donated to the cause and to Mud Bay for their generous donation to help Seattle’s pets in our communities.


To learn more about upcoming opportunities to support the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, sign up for our newsletter.

Furevermore 2021 – A Letter from the Board

Hello friends and supporters of the Seattle Animal Shelter and SASF, we hope that this finds you in good health, and good spirits.

We wanted to share the news that the 2021 Furevermore Auction & Gala has been postponed until 2022.

The health and safety of our donors and volunteers is our greatest priority, and we simply would not be able to provide the event we know you look forward to in the current climate. That said, SASF is creating new ways to give back in big ways this year!

Please look for upcoming communications (you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram) for ways you can get involved and continue to support Seattle animals in need in 2021.

As always, we are grateful for all of our amazing donors, volunteers, and foster families. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Emily Rondestvedt | Vice President
Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation | https://seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/
(425) 466-8035 (cell)